It also says Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Luxembourg’s AAA ratings would remain in place.

S&P refused to comment.

Last month, S&P warned 15 out of 17 eurozone countries, including France and Germany, could see their ratings downgraded if efforts were not made to resolve the sovereign debt crisis that has gripped Europe.

In November, the ratings agency mistakenly sent a message to some of its subscribers saying it had downgraded France’s credit rating.